Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Canada-Uzbekistan, likely lineups

Canada and Uzbekistan face off tonight at BMO Field in Toronto for a luxury friendly ahead of the upcoming World Cup 2026. The match, scheduled for 3 a.m. Italian time, is a crucial test for both teams just days before the whistle blows for the start of the rainbow tournament, which is scheduled to officially open on June 11. There is great anticipation for the Canadians, who will play the review at home as co-organizers and have been placed in Group B along with Bosnia, Switzerland and Qatar.

Uzbekistan, on the other hand, is experiencing a moment of genuine sporting ecstasy: the White Wolves have achieved a historic first-ever qualification to the final stage of a World Cup. On the bench is Fabio Cannavaro: the former Ballon d’Or winner who took charge of the already qualified Asian selection trying to impose a typically Italian defensive solidity and impeccable tactical organization. Debutant Uzbekistan has been drawn in Group K, a fascinating and unpredictable group that will see it struggle against Portugal, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

U.S. coach Jesse Marsch relies on the offensive 4-4-2 with: Crepeau between the posts, a 4-man defensive line formed by Johnston and Laryea at fullbacks with Bombito and Cornelius at center back. On the flanks ready former Inter Milan man Buchanan and Millar with Eustaquio and Sassuolo’s Ismael Kone. Up front the Larin-David pair.

Fabio Cannavaro for his part to counter the North American advance deploys: Nematov between the posts to shield him there will be a 5-man defense led by Manchester City center Khusanov along with Alikulov and Abdullaev. On the wings he relies on the speed d Ganiev and Urunov to support star Shomurodov.

Probable formations

CANADA (4-4-2): Crépeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustáquio, Koné, Millar; Larin, David. CT: Jesse Marsch.

UZBEKISTAN (5-4-1): Nematov; Sayfiev, Alikulov, Abdullaev, Khusanov, Nasrullaev; Ganiev, Xamrobekov, Shukurov, Urunov; Shomurodov. All. Cannavaro.